Registration.

I couldn't stay passive at this point. I had to take control of the situation or everything would be ruined. It doesn't matter what character I portray, it can be pinned on my parents' demise.

"Nisha, listen to me!" I said in a slightly authoritative tone. "I have to do this."

I saw her face tighten at my words and her grip became loose allowing me to break free.

"Why…?" She muttered, her eyes unfocused.

"It's necessary… my life revolves around this excavation," I replied as I moved closer and then placed my arms on her shoulder.

"You are weak, Vince. Those monsters… You can't fight them." Nisha's eyes became teary as she looked at me—precisely, into my eyes.

"I know, and I have a plan. Just have faith in me."

From the way she addressed me, I'm now certain of their bond. This also meant that she had a high probability of noticing flaws in my act.

"Did their death change you so much?" Nisha said while caressing my cheek. "You know, your love for adventure and growth was astonishing but you were never a fan of violence. But now… all I see is a broken man."

Tears started streaming down her cheeks and I was left dumbfounded. Did she just justify my change in attitude without a hitch? I had seen many situations like this, but was it not too fast?

I was still pondering my next words when she said, "I'll come with."

Instinctively, I replied, "You can't…!"

I only came to understand moments later that I had to justify my answer or she might start suspecting. "Think of Mrs. Maureen… she would be alone and I don't want harm to come your way."

Nisha only focused on a phrase as she repeated it, "Mrs. Maureen?"

It was clear I said something odd and it was related to "Mrs. Maureen" so I decided to take a leap of fate. "Grandma."

I saw her show a subtle smile at that moment. It was beautiful.

"You claimed to have a plan, right?" Her voice was stern as she questioned.

'Shit…' I cursed. 'I shot myself in the foot…'

Any attempt to deny her permission to join this adventure would be futile. I know she was only requesting out of courtesy. I also know that she didn't try to stop me because she respected my conviction. It was a typical romance story where the female respects the male's decision.

"Would it serve for two?" She inquired after a while of silence.

"Yes… but you'd have to listen to my every word."

"Yes, Vince."

My muscles twitched for a while. I don't think the outcome was bad. She is strong and I'm knowledgeable. With her strength and my knowledge, I have more chances to come out successful.

I stared at her for seconds before heading for the building's door. All eyes were on us as we entered the building. Hank sat in a corner, looking at me with questioning eyes. His gaze would shift from me to Nisha between intervals as if to question her identity. But I didn't bother with him.

We then moved to the counter where a lady with revealing clothing was seated. Mugs were littered all over the counter and the place reeked of booze.

"We wish to join the excavation," I said, pushing forward the post.

"That's five copper coins," The lady replied, rising from her seat to meet my face.

'What a crappy system…!' I lampooned.

"I got it!" Nisha replied excitedly and came in between us. It was a defensive stance to protect her man, and I love it! This is a one-in-a-million type of girl.

"Hey, kid. How sure…"

The man could not finish his words as his balls got cracked by Nisha. 'My instinct never lies…' I thought to myself. 'She is a dangerous one.'

Hank's mouth was slacked open at the corner where he sat. 'Suits him right…' I grinned.

"Here are your tickets," The lady handed out two metallic plates.

She was unbothered by the events as she continued, "You should be by the city's gate tomorrow morning. You all would move as a team from there. And remember, no identification plate, no excavation."

I only nodded, while Nisha was now well invested in glaring at anyone who wanted a fight.

"Thanks."

I now understood Hank's idea. He wanted to scare me off or see if my conviction was strong enough to withstand the pressure. It wasn't that much of a bad thing, but I stood no chance against these guys at my current level.

I looked at him and waved one last time before exiting the building with Nisha.

It was time to start preparations for the journey.

***

"Good day, sir."

"Mathew… What news do you bring today," An elderly man asked the man called Mathew.

"It's the heir of the Hester household. He seeks to join the upcoming excavation of Daunting Cave," Mathew replied.

"Oh… that's gratifying," The elderly man muttered. "...I hope you know what to do. You do, don't you?"

"Yes, my lord. It's already in progress."

"Fate is a bitch…"